Rooibos Industry News
In South Africa, it’s always a good time for a braai, but on Heritage Day (24 September), also dubbed, National Braai Day – when everyone gathers round for a braai-feast – we pull out all the stops!
A new brand, called Earth Mama, created a range of skincare products that recently hit the market.
In Australia, a distillery has developed a brand-new, exciting gin. It is called Forty Spotted Tassie Bush Honey and has an ultra-premium look.
The Lucky Hare Brewing Company in New York recently announced that they will be bringing out a new range of craft beers.
Ever made yourself a cup of tea, looked over at your dog, and thought they seemed a bit left out of the fun?
Today, the Premier of Western Cape, Alan Winde, presided over a ceremony whereby the European Union (EU) Ambassador to South Africa, Dr Riina Kionka, handed over a certificate to the Rooibos industry recognising its registration for Protection Designation of Origin (PDO) in the EU.
For many South Africans that suffer from allergies, Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) has been a welcome remedy, but up till now evidence has been scant to support this notion.
Proper skin care can lead to a much healthier skin and combat things like the effects of ageing.
In the USA, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery has officially launched a new range of canned cocktails.
Rebellious Infusions, the leading organic, plant-based mixers in the energy drink category, has launched a new line of Caffeine-Free Infusions that offers natural alertness and focus without causing a spike or crash in energy. They are available in two flavours: Sangria and Wildberry.
Teavana, an American tea company, has created a special new flavour of tea that is bound to make consumers think of Christmas in July!
As the excitement continues to mount in the countdown to the Tokyo Olympic Games, athletes will have trialled numerous dietary supplements to give them a competitive edge in the hope to set new records and bring home the gold.
The Baccarat Hotel in New York has noted that Rooibos tea is one of the most popular drinks it offers guests on their menu.
According to the latest newsletter by the SA Rooibos Council, studies have shown that herbal plants and medicine may be an alternative way to protect the heart against disease.
South Africa is experiencing a cold and wet winter and, as a result, many people are looking for ways to boost their immunity.
Bigelow Tea has introduced a new product lineup called Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusions.
Founded in 2014 by Shannon Edgar, Stormalong Cider showcases the virtues of cider made with the right apples. Vital Sign Nitro Hard Tea is a completely new brand of hard teas made by Stormalong Cider.
The popular UK-based tea brand, Tick Tock, has recently launched their new Chai Relax and Ginger Boost tea products! According to them, both teas are refreshing and completely caffeine-free.
In Japan, Lipton launched a brand-new product on 15 June. Lipton Rooibos Tea Punch is available throughout the entire country and it is already a popular drink among local consumers!
In a world-first for African food, the European Commission has approved the registration of the designation ‘Rooibos’/’Red Bush’ in its register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications where it joins Champagne, Irish Whiskey, Porto, Queso Manchego and other iconic products already registered.
While the Rooibos industry has always had environmental preservation at heart, an increased global demand for the tea has compelled the industry to more proactively review its impact across its value chain.
Rooibos tea may help fight colds and infections and support the immune system. Studies also show that Rooibos can help balance glucose levels and improve insulin resistance which, along with the right food choices, can help fight diabetes.
While many South Africans are familiar with the basics of wine pairing, i.e. white wine goes with fish and red wine with steak, they are stumped when it comes to what to pair tea with.
Speaking to eNCA recently, the SA Rooibos Council’s Nicie Vorster said that the demand for Rooibos has increased drastically after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world.
Did you know that different types of personalities are drawn to different types of tea? Your preference for loose leaf tea over tea bags, and even how you brew your tea and drink it, says a lot about who you are.
The Japanese convenience store franchise chain Family Mart has launched their highly anticipated Rooibos product.
The refocusing of priorities amid the global pandemic has put an already buoyant health and wellness market into overdrive. This has spurred the demand for more innovative plant-based products promoting health, which bodes well for our locally grown Rooibos tea.
Don’t toss those unused tea bags! Believe it or not, they’re capable of far more than you realize.
In a recent article by Well + Good, the popular lifestyle blog, the benefits of Rooibos were discussed. The article lists one of the top benefits of Rooibos as the fact that it can calm an upset tummy almost instantly.
For James Bond, it’s a Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred, for Carrie Bradshaw – lead character in Sex and the City, it’s a Cosmopolitan of course and nothing can quench Homer Simpson’s thirst more than a can of Duff Beer.
Diane Sheets is a vocal coach in the USA who has developed a herbal tea that soothes vocals. She calls her tonic Voice Tea – and it contains Rooibos!
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives. It has fundamentally changed the way we live, dress, work and interact with each other.
Rooibos has many medicinal uses. One of which is the treatment of skin rashes and irritation. If you suffer from any of these conditions, you can try following the below tips and use Rooibos to help you conquer your skin ailment. Here are our tips: Add a strong cup of Rooibos tea to your bath…
Fertility levels worldwide have plunged to a historic low. As a result, many couples are looking for natural and healthy ways to improve their chances of conceiving. Scientists have said that consuming foods that are high in antioxidants might help with this endeavour. Some studies are showing that Rooibos tea may actually help improve your…
Pregnant women should generally be wary of what they eat and drink. Herbal drinks should especially be taken in moderation, experts have warned. Rooibos tea, however, is an exception, with many stating that it is, in fact, the most ideal hot beverage to enjoy during pregnancy. This is largely due to the fact that Rooibos…
The established wellness website, Health Line, recently listed Rooibos as one of the top 7 teas to drink if you want to sleep better. In their article, they cited research which suggests that Rooibos has a calming effect on the body. Above and beyond that, Rooibos can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels –…
January typically marks the time of year when we recalibrate our diet towards the cleaner end of the spectrum, after weeks of festive season indulgence. Many claim that tea can help flush out toxins, enhance the immune function and boost energy levels, but how effective is it really? Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA…
Postdoctoral fellow Dr Taskeen Docrat from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology has won first prize at the recent Virtual Postdoctoral Research Summit. He won the prize for the best elevator pitch on this topic: The Abili “Tea” Of Rooibos to Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease. “The protective functions of the widely consumed Rooibos herbal tea are…
As we head for the holidays, you might be considering ways to drop a few kilos on the road to a healthier lifestyle. In a recent article on MSN Lifestyle, Rooibos tea was listed as one of 5 top teas to drink when trying to lose weight. What makes rooibos tea particularly good for your…
This festive season local brewers and mixologists are making the most of South Africa’s rich plant life, by using indigenous ingredients when developing unique beverages for local and international markets. Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council said the value of indigenous plants are starting to be recognised globally. “There is a growing…
Laager Rooibos has shared a few tips with consumers on how they can enjoy a healthier festive season this holiday period. December is traditionally a time to relax the dietary restrictions and let loose, but with health taking centre stage this year, it’s important to maintain a good balance heading into the 2020 festive season.…
Local researchers who study medicinal plants are turning to Rooibos as a potential treatment for COVID-19. South Africa has a long history of using medicinal plants as effective treatments against a range of ailments. The researchers have identified unique bioactive compounds in Rooibos that could be effective in treating the symptoms brought on by the…
A recent article in the Brakpan Herald hailed Rooibos as one of the best treats to give to your little ones if they are picky eaters. Although every child has their own preferences when it comes to taste, the article argues that Rooibos is so versatile that most children enjoy it. Seeing as Summer is…
Your little one’s delicate skin needs a lot of pampering when it comes to body care products. More sensitive, porous, dryer and more vulnerable to infections than adult skin, your baby’s skin needs body creams and washes that are safe and kind to their soft skin. A true South African favourite, Rooibos as a skincare…
Decades of local and international research into Rooibos’ anti-diabetic properties confirms its effectiveness at improving sugar levels when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and should form part of a holistic strategy to tackle the disease say experts. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 4.5 million South African adults are likely…
IOL recently spoke with Mbali Mapholi, an established dietician, to help them pick the trendiest superfoods and explains why they will be getting all the attention in 2021. Mapholi included Rooibos as one of the top superfood products to look out for next year. For the longest time Rooibos tea had taken a back seat…
As we approach the end of the year, many students and scholars are gearing up to write their final exams. This year, it can be said that those in the final stretch of their academic life will have even more stress, seeing as most studies were put on hold for some time and moved online…
In a recent academic article, the health properties and benefits of Rooibos were examined. Evidence related to the health aspects of drinking Rooibos tea is advancing, but does not appear to have been collated. Therefore, the researchers aimed to examine the health effects of Rooibos tea through a systematic review of the literature. Seven human…
The popular and authoritative medical news website, Medical News Today, has recently published an article on the best alternatives to caffeinated drinks. Although caffeine, when taken in moderation, does not pose harmful effects to those who drink it, it can become addictive and lead to health issues later in life. Thus, finding an alternative to…
A growing preference for natural products free from chemicals, along with a concern for the environment is driving the demand for herbal beauty products, which includes Rooibos. Beauty guru and spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC), Adele du Toit says that not so long ago natural products were sold primarily in health food stores and…
Everyone is looking at ways to cope with lockdown and its myriad implications for our physical and emotional well-being. Could a humble cup of rooibos tea help with stress? Dr Lindie Schloms thinks so, and her 2015 PhD thesis from Stellenbosch University drew this conclusion: “From the results obtained during my PhD it appears that…
In South Africa, heart disease remains one of the biggest health threats, with 225 citizens succumbing to the disease every day. The arrival of COVID-19 means those with underlying heart conditions face a higher risk, which is why this year’s Heart Awareness Month- celebrated in September- takes on even more significance. Laager Rooibos, in conjunction…
This Heritage Month, an emotive video, which likens our humble, yet hardy Rooibos bush to the strength and resilience that lies within each and every South African, serves as a reminder of how brave and powerful we can be as a collective force during the pandemic. Using finely ground Rooibos tea leaves as a medium,…
To keep SA’s army of healthcare workers fighting the pandemic on the frontlines healthy and hydrated, the Rooibos industry has donated 78 000 cups of Rooibos tea to designated COVID-19 hospitals throughout the country. Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says as the country accelerates toward the peak of the virus,…
Considered by many as a superfood, Rooibos tea, is becoming a popular ingredient in food and drink. To demonstrate its versatility, celeb foodies, Kamini Pather – MasterChef SA winner and Sabastian “Bas” Newman – well-known pastry chef – will be experimenting with the tea over the next few weeks to add some sparkle to lockdown…
For over a century, antioxidant-rich Rooibos tea has been used to help ease and provide protection against colds and flu. Its ability to support the immune system in fighting viruses, enhances the body’s natural defence system making it a must-have pantry staple. Here’s how Rooibos can help fight coughs and sniffles this winter season: One…
There has been some speculation around whether South African products, such as Rooibos, will continue to enjoy Geographical Indicator (GI) status following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. According to Dawie de Villiers, legal director for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC), the short answer is “yes”. “By its inclusion in the Geographical Indication Protocol…
The scorching temperatures experienced in large parts of South Africa, could put many at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Babies, children and the elderly are particularly sensitive to the heat. Appropriate hydration is key to avoiding heat-related ailments and illnesses, but before you reach for something cold to cool you down – a…
A beautiful pink bra, made almost entirely of used Rooibos tea bags, has been created by a leading lingerie brand to shine the spotlight on breast cancer which affects 1 in 27 women in South Africa. The bra – an initiative of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC), Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and lingerie…
After nine years of negotiations, the South African Rooibos Council (SARC), the National Khoi-San Council and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries signed an access and benefit-sharing agreement that will see the Khoi-Khoi and San communities benefit from the commercialisation of Rooibos. The agreement is regarded as a milestone in the history of global…
Rooibos is one of South Africa’s most valued natural treasures. But how much do we really know about this home-grown tea? During Heritage Month in September, the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) embarked on a campaign to create greater public awareness of Rooibos. Here are some surprising facts about Rooibos: Every spring, the Rooibos bush is…
For centuries, drinking tea has played a central role in the lives of women across the globe. Women like British born Mary Tuke (1725-72) was among the first tea merchants to build a chain of tea stores. What’s more, she did so amid many jail threats and fines, since many (mainly men) were opposed to…
Tea has been hash-tagged over 29 million times on Instagram alone, indicating that social media might have made Sunday Tea sessions cool again. According to the SA Rooibos Council, more than 23 million users spend about three hours on social media every day. The Innova Market Insights consumer study also found that one in ten…
Breast cancer is second most common cancer in women and men worldwide. For women of all races, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is 1 in 27. One way to protect ourselves is to make sure we get enough cancer-fighting antioxidants, like the antioxidants found in Rooibos. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The…
In a recent survey, one-third of South Africans cited Rooibos tea among their top three colds and flu fighting strategies. A survey conducted by a leading health firm showed that South Africans’ first reaction to a cold is to take Vitamin C, get enough rest, and take Rooibos mixed with honey, lemon and/or ginger. But,…
All over the world, master chocolatiers and candy-makers are experimenting with new flavours and textures to keep chocolate lovers interested in their products. Recently, they have turned to superfoods – such as spirulina, goji berries, reishi mushrooms and Rooibos – to make their chocolates and sweets more appealing to a health-conscious market. Adele du Toit,…
All over the world, people are increasingly looking for healthy food – hence the growing interest in Rooibos. Nicie Vorster, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC), says, “Major Rooibos markets view the tea as a premium healthy lifestyle product and promote it in its pure and unblended form, which health-conscious consumers want more of.…
Indigenous Rooibos contains unique antioxidants and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols which hold certain health benefits. To back these claims, the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) has made R4.5 million available for research on the ability of Rooibos to help reduce allergies, heart disease, diabetes and skin cancer. In South Africa alone, these diseases combined…
The South African Rooibos Council is investing in new research to better understand the plant’s health benefits. The Council has invested R4,5 million into studying claims that Rooibos reduces symptoms of allergies, heart disease, diabetes and skin cancer. Scientists will also investigate the impact of Rooibos on gut flora, and the extent to which it…
The SA Rooibos Council has released figures showing how much consumers are currently paying per serving of their favourite drink based on average supermarket prices. The price per cup of black tea ranges from 20c to 45c, while Rooibos ranges from 40c to 60c, Green tea from 35c to 65c, Earl Grey from 60c to…
South African farmers are ready to plant more Rooibos tea as demand for this antioxidant-rich indigenous brew grows. However, the natural limit on suitable land could mean that supply will struggle to keep pace with demand. In 2018, Rooibos, which only grows in a small area some 200 km to the north of Cape Town,…
Soon cardiologists could be prescribing Rooibos as part of the therapeutic approach to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) – an epidemic that annually claims 8.76 million lives worldwide. So says Prof Amanda Swart from the Biochemistry Department at Stellenbosch University following an examination of peer-reviewed studies spanning the last two decades on the therapeutic potential of…
Randfontein Herald: ‘DRINK ROOIBOS TO KEEP YOUR NY RESOLUTIONS ALIVE’ Read more here:North Eastern Tribune: HOW ROOIBOS TEA CAN HELP KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS GOING STRONG Read more here:Fourways Review: HOW ROOIBOS TEA CAN HELP YOU KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS GOING STRONG Read more here:Midrand Reporter: HOW ROOIBOS TEA CAN HELP KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS GOING…
Rooibos is still one of the most affordable beverages amidst rising food prices, the VAT increase and inflation. According to the SA Rooibos Council, “Hot drinks, which includes tea, coffee and other speciality drinks, only saw an inflationary increase of 4.8% in comparison to cold drinks which rose by 7%.” Rooibos, in particular, offers great…
China’s first Rooibos Experience Bar has been opened at the Royce Hotel in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district. Visitors are encouraged to come on over and experience a range of Rooibos cocktails and flavoured teas.
The SA Rooibos Council commissioned historian Boris Gorelik to investigate historical records on the earliest usage of the Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis) and the origins of the infusion known as Rooibos tea. Gorelik says it is possible that the Rooibos plant was used by San and Khoikhoi people in precolonial times. “We have archaeological records…
n August this year, the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) sent out its Heritage Month Survey to 1 000 South Africans from diverse cultures and ages to determine how the consumption of uniquely South African Rooibos has changed in recent years. See survey findings and braai recipes with Rooibos Look at interviews on Morning Live and eNCA
This blog on the MyKitchen website provides a beautiful overview of the Rooibos story – from how it became part of the tea-drinking culture in the Cederberg region during the 19th century to finding ways to germinate Rooibos seeds in the 1930s. Rooibos is produced from the plant Aspalathus linearis, a shrub unique to the Cederberg Mountains around…
Prof Jonny Peter, Head of the Allergy and Immunology Unit at the University of Cape Town’s Lung Institute, told CapeTalk’s #WeekendBreakfast host Africa Melane about the studies they are conducting to determine the impact of Rooibos on allergic inflammation. Laboratory studies have shown Rooibos has a positive effect on allergy-prone cells. They hope to turn…
Winter is often characterised by unsettled weather, a lack of sunshine, colds and flu, and reduced physical activity. Any combination of these factors can upset the body’s equilibrium. This can lead to indigestion, joint pain, dehydration, a sluggish metabolism, high blood pressure, depression, and lingering colds and flu. This is where a cup of hot…
Why a bit of alcohol – including a Rooibos cocktail – is actually good for you Did you know that moderate alcohol intake can be beneficial to your health? Firstly, moderate drinking can help to reduce your risk of Type-2 diabetes and, secondly, it can help you to live longer. Using Rooibos in cocktails adds…
In May this year, the world’s biggest coffee shop chain, Starbucks, introduced two Rooibos Lattes as part of its spring menu in the UK. The “luxurious” Rooibos Lattes – Rooibos Tea Latte and Red Apple Rooibos Tea Latte – were launched at 950 stores across the UK, which has one of the biggest tea-drinking markets…
Who would have thought that purses made from used Rooibos tea bags would become a fashion accessory in Paris? Gracious Dube (33), originally from Zimbabwe and now living in Cape Town, said she stumbled upon the idea while drinking a cup of Rooibos. To make the purses, she starts off by drying and ironing about…
Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world with around 2 billion people sipping on the brew per day. Rooibos is becoming one of the fastest-growing beverages in the drinks market globally, says Ernest du Toit from the SA Rooibos Council. If both export and local volumes were sold and…
In South Africa, school children are often exposed to the risk of sunburn as a result of schools lacking sun protection policies. Local research has shown that sunburn in children significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer and melanomas – the deadliest form of skin cancer – later in life. Research has also shown…
AMW Boerdery on the farm Jakkalsvlei southwest of Clanwilliam produces up to 470 kg/ha of Rooibos a year. Wimpie Smit, co-owner of the farm, credits the results to sound production management which includes soil preparation, crop rotation and rigorous weed management, and of course favourable climatic conditions. According to Smit, the way in which the…
Did you know that the early Dutch settlers started drinking Rooibos in the late 17th century as an alternative to the more expensive black tea? Did you know that Rooibos is low in tannins, caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants? Read this article to find out more about Rooibos.
Rooibos contains antioxidants and compounds that can help people cope with the impact of stress on their health. When free radicals cause oxidation, they damage the healthy cells which could hinder one’s ability to learn and retain information. Rooibos counters this by reducing the effect of oxidative by-products in neural pathways, thereby stimulating concentration. This…
Scientists claim that internationally, sperm counts have halved over the past 50 years, with close to 20% of men between the ages of 18 and 25 having sperm counts defined as abnormal. A recent study conducted on rats by the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) found that rats on…
Researchers say South Africans sleep around six hours a night, which is not enough and which is considered a major public health concern as it costs the economy billions as a result of lost productivity and car accidents while also leading to health complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A study by…
In South Africa, deaths related to heart disease are expected to rise by 41% in the next 13 years, ways the South African Rooibos Council. The biggest risk factor is high blood pressure, which affects one in three adults. Drinking Rooibos has been identified as one means of prevention because Rooibos contains compounds proven to…
